Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Tularosa, NM
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring
As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.
While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.
Key dates for your spring planting:
- By May 10, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around April 23, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before April 13, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them
If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 16° | Feb 28 | Feb 16 | Feb 7 | Jan 30 | Jan 22 | Jan 14 | Jan 5 | Dec 23 | -- |
| Last 20° | Mar 18 | Mar 7 | Feb 28 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 8 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 | Jan 14 |
| Last 24° | Apr 2 | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 6 |
| Last 28° | Apr 19 | Apr 12 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 13 | Mar 5 |
| Last 32° | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 |
| Last 36° | May 10 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in Tularosa, NM, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.
The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:
These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 16° | Nov 28 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 7 | -- |
| First 20° | Nov 17 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 |
| First 24° | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 |
| First 28° | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 |
| First 32° | Oct 16 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 |
| First 36° | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- Alamogordo, NM 13.3 mi
- White Sands Natl Mon, NM 24.4 mi
- Ruidoso, NM 31.1 mi
- Carrizozo, NM 37.8 mi
- Elk, NM 48.9 mi
- Jornada Exp Range, NM 60.0 mi
- Bingham, NM 60.7 mi
- Aleman Rch, NM 64.2 mi
- Bosque Del Apache, NM 77.5 mi
- Gran Quivira Natl Mon, NM 80.5 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.